WINTER HEADQUARTERS

We're "settled in" at our Florida "winter" headquarters.  We almost sound like circus performers from Ringling Bros.' Barnum and Bailey Circus who used to spend their winters in Sarasota from 1927 to 1959.  I always thought that was kind of exciting to have a special place to call your "winter home".  Since we are originally from Jacksonville, FL, moving to a warmer climate never existed for us.  In Jacksonville we have four seasons that are usually mostly comfortable.  When I was younger I remember seeing the circus people as they would travel to that part of the state.   Wow - how cool was it to see all those circus tents, travel trailers.....and animals!

Unloading at "Winter Headquarters"

The Sandhill Crane looks at us like we're intruding

Animals, Tents, Trailers, etc.

We will be spending the next few months at the Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort in Webster, FL, where we purchased a deeded RV lot almost 5 years ago.  An option, when we purchased the lot, was that we could build a small Key West-type suite on our lot which would give us a room to park a golf cart, a full bathroom, and a front area which would be used to entertain guests or use for visiting guests.

Highway 478 - Goes past Florida Grande 

Entrance to Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort

Entering Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort

FGMCR - Webster, FL

An Example of a Grande Suite - FGMCR

 Webster, a small rural town centrally located in Florida, is best known for what happens only on Mondays - for over 60 years.  The oldest and most famous flea market in Florida (over 1,500 vendors on over 50 acres), is open one day a week, where you can find  just about anything imaginable.  Weekly, we try to go to the produce pavillion where many local farmers sell their produce.

One vendor's idea of "Presentation"

Webster Flea Market - Lots of family pets

Local Farmer selling a truckload of Carrots

Another Webster RV Park's transportation to the Flea Market

End of another busy day at the Flea Market in Webster

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, 7 months was a long time for us to be away.  We have several projects planned this season and one of them will be to finally complete the interior of our suite.  We will wait until after Thanksgiving to start the transformation.  In the meantime I have to say goodbye to my art studio and move all my art supplies to another location.

Where am I going to put all my STUFF?

Another peaceful day at FGMCR

Many of our RV friends have already arrived or are on the way back to Florida Grande around this time of the year, and it's fun to hear about where they have traveled or what they have been doing since we saw them last.  Many who follow our blog know just about everything we've done.  Some of them say they don't have to travel so long as they read our blog.  

Our back yard at FGMCR

THE ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL

After leaving St. George Island State Park we meandered in an easterly direction on scenic U.S. Highway 98 about 35 miles to Ho Hum RV Park.  If you remember back a few weeks ago we stayed at Ho Hum when we were heading west along the coastline of Florida toward Miramar Beach.

U. S. Highway 98 heading east, near Carrabelle, FL

U. S. Highway 98 heading east near Carrabelle, FL

We enjoyed a quiet evening on a waterfront lot facing the Bay, and finished the day with a beautiful sunset and some pier fishing.   Carrabelle is a VERY quiet little town during the week while the weekends are usually filled with fishermen, boats and all kinds of activities.

Ho Hum RV Park - Carrabelle, FL

Our lot before we parked at Ho Hum 

Fishing Pier at Ho Hum 

Another beautiful sunset at Ho Hum

We are on the last couple of legs of a 7 month long road trip!  For the next couple of days we will be with our daughter and son-in-law and 4 grandchildren in Green Cove Springs, FL, as they prepare to celebrate Halloween.  

Getting ready for Halloween in Green Cove Springs

Getting ready for Halloween in Green Cove Springs, FL

This skeleton just came out of the closet!

Jake the dog, Hello Kitty, Uncle Si and a Teenage Vampire

Austin, Kenneth and Cody on Halloween Night

Uncle Si and the Werewolf on Halloween

While we are in Green Cove Springs we can also accomplish so much before heading south to Webster, FL, for the winter months.   On Halloween night the entire neighborhood goes trick or treating together, parents and all, while we stay at their house to welcome little visitors.  

Ready for Trick or Treaters to ring the doorbell anytime!

 In the past we've discontinued our blog through the winter months.  This year we're planning to continue and hope you will follow our blog when you can.

Clubhouse at Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort

Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort

Clubhouse

Our back yard at Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort

For the past 5 years we have spent most of the winter at Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort in Webster, FL.  While many think our development may be out in the middle of cattle country, it is, and that's one of the reasons we love it.  There are black Angus cattle ranches literally surrounding us.  Our development is located on about 275 acres, with a total of 499 Class A RV sites (although many lots are still undeveloped). 

Winter Residence - Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort

Pool at clubhouse - FGMCR

Clubhouse kitchen - FGMCR

Activities Room - FGMCR

 Being Jacksonville, FL natives, we could never understand the concept of "snowbirds" or why all these people would leave their homes for 6+ months to stay in Florida during the winter months.  Now we understand!  At Florida Grande there are people from just about every direction you can imagine, but several that stand out are Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio, Nova Scotia, (more Michiganders than you can imagine), Ontario, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, and many more.  If you're a Floridian you should welcome snowbirds with open arms - they make a tremendous difference in local economies where they reside and contribute to every community where they live, whether it be in purchases they make or volunteer opportunities throughout the state.